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Daily Newswire
Kingsley Gate Unveils a New Approach to AI-Powered Executive Search
Under pressure to deliver faster results, deeper market intelligence, and stronger candidate outcomes, executive search firms and talent leaders are reevaluating the tools and processes that have long defined the profession. Advances in artificial intelligence are accelerating that shift, creating new possibilities for how searches are scoped, executed, and managed from start to finish. Yet
Growth Happens When Human Capital is the Priority
Every growth story eventually reaches an inflection point where the business becomes more complex than the systems that built it. Revenue can grow quickly, markets can expand, and opportunities can multiply—but sustainable performance depends on an organization’s ability to evolve its leadership, decision-making, and talent infrastructure at the same pace. The companies that navigate these
Executive Recruiters Pull Off Another Remarkable Year, Remain Bullish for 2023
Hunt Scanlon Media has released its annual rankings of leading executive recruiters. In the U.S. and globally, billions of dollars poured into the high-end recruiting sector in 2022, a result of continued pentup demand for senior-level leaders and their key reports.
Bespoke Partners Appoints Leader of People and HR Practice
San Diego, CA-headquartered Bespoke Partners recently named Dani Pfeiffer as a partner leading the people and human resources leader recruiting practice serving both software and industrials sector companies. She will lead dedicated recruiting teams on searches for talent executives for private equity portfolio companies for the software and SaaS clients served by Bespoke Partners and industrial clients served by Industra Talent Partners,
GDPR – The Perfect Time to Refresh Your Database
As executive search firms grapple with the complexities of GDPR, many are concerned that the new regulation will mean deleting thousands of records built up over many years. Surely there must be an alternative?
Wilson Forms New Alliance with Poetry to Advance AI capabilities
Global talent solutions provider Wilson has formed a new partnership with Poetry to strengthen its AI-enabled recruitment capabilities. The collaboration supports Wilson’s continued focus on embedding technology into its RPO delivery model through Wilson Workspace, its technology ecosystem. “We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Poetry,” said Charles Faigle, chief delivery officer at Wilson. This
What Executive Candidates Want From Employers Today
The executive talent market today has fundamentally shifted and senior leaders are evaluating employers through a far more demanding lens. They no longer weigh opportunities primarily on compensation or title; they assess the total leadership experience: governance, culture, organizational stability, purpose, autonomy, flexibility and long-term growth, according to a report from Kestria. “To attract and retain
WittKieffer Retained by Roosevelt University for President Search
Oak Brook, IL-based WittKieffer has been retained by Roosevelt University in Chicago to lead in its search for its seventh president. Ali Malekzadeh is retiring after being with the school since 2015. Senior partner Christine Pendleton, consultant Sandra Chu, senior associate Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, and senior advisor Ray Crossman. Roosevelt University seeks a student-centered president who is committed
Buffkin / Baker Acquires HR-Focused Benson Executive Search
Partner-led executive search firm Buffkin / Baker has acquired Boston, MA-based Benson Executive Search, a boutique firm focused on the human resources sector. Financial terms of deal were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Buffkin / Baker’s HR functional capabilities and gives the firm a stronger presence in the Northeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Benson Executive Search to
SPMB Recruits Fills Senior Finance Position for Uber
Steven Popper of SPMB Executive Search has placed Wendy Drummond Craig as senior director, technical accounting, reporting, and M&A at Uber. In her new role, she will oversee teams responsible for technical accounting matters, SEC reporting, and accounting for mergers and acquisitions. “Wendy brings an extraordinary combination of technical accounting expertise, SEC reporting experience, and strategic advisory leadership
True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability
AI-Native Talent Won’t Fix AI-Foreign Organizations
As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide adoption, organizations are grappling with a fundamental question: what does it actually mean to become AI-native? While the term has quickly entered the business lexicon, many leaders are still struggling to define the capabilities, operating models, and cultural shifts required to make that vision a reality. “Some
ZRG Partners Acquires Fortium
ZRG Partners has acquired Fortium, a Dallas-based search firm that provides fractional, interim, and project-based CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Companies are making more nuanced decisions about leadership than they did even a few years ago, particularly in technology,” said Mark Viner, leader of interim solutions & project
Lochlin Partners Recruits SVP of HR for the National Association of Corporate Directors
Lochlin Partners has placed Marian Stevens as senior vice president, human resources of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) in Washington, D.C. “Marian’s deep experience in talent development, organizational effectiveness, and culture will help NACD to continue building the internal capabilities needed to support our growth and deliver on our mission,” said Peter Gleason, president and CEO of
JDG Associates Tapped by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute to Find New Leader
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been retained by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) to lead its search for a new president and CEO. The Chicago-based institute, the leading technical institute and trade association for the precast, prestressed concrete industry in North America, seeks a visionary and collaborative executive to succeed its long-serving chief executive,
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in New Zealand
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added Auckland, New Zealand-based Infinitas as its newest member firm expanding its capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. “I am thrilled to welcome Infinitas to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. Their people-first philosophy, tech-enabled search processes, and talent advisory capabilities deeply align with our mission to transform
Hiring for the Culture You Don’t Yet Have
For much of the past decade, organizations have invested heavily in strategy, technology and operational efficiency to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. Yet despite these investments, many transformation initiatives continue to fall short of expectations. The differentiator is rarely the strategy itself. More often, success depends on whether leadership teams have the right people
BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Downtown Atlanta Inc.
BoardWalk Consulting has been tapped by Downtown Atlanta Inc. (DAI) to lead in its search for a CEO. The search is being led by Sam Pettway, Crystal Stephens, and Patti Kish. The organization is seeking a leader who can help define what the next generation of Downtown Atlanta will become. This is a leadership opportunity of unusual scale and
Peña Search Assists To Be Like Me with the Recruitment of Executive Director
Peña Search recently assisted in the recruitment of Lauren Rowe as the new executive for To Be Like Me (TBLM) in Dallas, TX. Travis Hillier, Carlos González Peña, and Thaise Pereira led the assignment. She replaces To Be Like Me founder Hollis Owens, who has served as executive director since 2018 and initiated the search for her replacement last
BroadView Talent Partners Tapped by Baltimore Community Lending for President/CEO Search
BroadView Talent Partners was recently retained by Baltimore Community Lending, Inc. (BCL) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. Tracy McMillan, Robyn Quinn, and Donna Young are leading the assignment. The CEO is the strategic, operational, and external leader of Baltimore Community Lending, responsible for driving the organization’s next era of growth and
Allen Austin Launches Evidence-Based Leadership Assessment VantagePoint
Houston, TX-based search firm Allen Austin launch of VantagePoint, an evidence-based leadership assessment that helps organizations identify and develop high-potential leaders with greater clarity and confidence. VantagePoint is grounded in three decades of leadership advisory work and original research by Allen Austin chairman and CEO Rob Andrews. Over two years, Mr. Andrews interviewed more than 100 CEOs,
The CHRO’s New Mandate
Across industries, the organizational design structure has shifted from a traditional pyramid to an hourglass model. This is not a recent development, explained Slayton Search Partners’ John Doyle in a recent report. “Organizational efficiencies, increased technology and the first wave of Baby Boomer retirements began this transition nearly two decades ago,” he said. “Experienced leaders have been retiring. Internal pipelines have
AGB Search Recruits 11th President for Lewis University
Washington, D.C.-based recruitment firm AGB Search, which specializes in higher education leadership assignments, has helped to recruit Christopher Sindt as the 11th president of Lewis University. The Lewis University board of trustees recently announced that president David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year. Melissa K. Trotta, Matthew J. Kilcoyne, and John Cech led the assignment. “After
Kincannon & Reed Assists CCI Prime with CFO Search
Kincannon & Reed (K&R), which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has assisted in the recruitment of Jamie Broad as CFO of CCI Prime, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Jamie’s ability to connect financial insights to operational realities makes her an exceptional
EQU Advisors Seeking Senior Leader for Sarah Lawrence College
Executive search firm EQU Advisors was recently retained by Sarah Lawrence College to lead in its search for an associate vice president of enrollment. This executive will serve as a key member of the senior enrollment leadership team and a collaborative partner across the institution. This role is designed to strengthen coordination, elevate shared strategy, and support
Egon Zehnder Forms Alliance with IMD
Global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder and IMD, a leading business school in global executive education, have formed a strategic partnership to facilitate board directors’ personal growth and elevate board performance. The partnership combines IMD’s academic rigor and deep connections to global boards with Egon Zehnder’s expertise in leadership and board effectiveness. Together, they will co-create tailored
Why Boards Are Betting on New CEOs and How to Set Them Up to Win
A growing number of companies are entrusting the corner office to leaders stepping into the CEO role for the first time. As succession strategies evolve and executive talent markets tighten, boards are increasingly prioritizing leadership potential, adaptability, and strategic vision over prior CEO experience. Boards now face a new question: which qualities make a first-time CEO succeed,
The Leadership Reset: What AI is Exposing About Today’s Executives
For decades, leadership success was largely measured by experience, team size, and the ability to manage complex organizations. Today, artificial intelligence is changing that equation, and it is reshaping how boards, investors, and hiring executives evaluate leadership talent. As AI transforms how work gets done, organizations are discovering that competitive advantage is no longer determined
Greenwood Asher & Associates Recruits Provost for the University of Cincinnati
Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the recruitment of Rudolph Buchheit as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Andriel Dees and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. His selection follows a national search led by a dedicated search committee that was informed by
HARTZ Search Assists Geisinger with Recruitment of CIO
Charlotte, NC-based HARTZ Search has helped to recruit Bill Bellando as executive vice president and chief information officer of Geisinger. He joins Geisinger after serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Georgia-based Wellstar Health System from 2022 to 2026. In this role, Mr. Bellando oversaw information technology and digital initiatives across the health system.
Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ Launch Recruiter Performance Training Program
The executive search industry has a training challenge. For years, recruiting firms have depended on apprenticeship-style development, learning through observation, informal mentoring, and varying management approaches. That model works for some, but it does not scale effectively. In a market increasingly shaped by AI, speed, precision, and commercial demands, inconsistent recruiter performance is no longer
Flatiron Search Partners Forms Alliance with Middle-Market Private Equity Firm Nonantum
Flatiron Search Partners (FSP) has formed a growth partnership with middle-market private equity firm Nonantum Capital Partners. “We were intentional about finding a partner who truly understands what we’re building and why,” said Bill Stauffer, co-founder and managing partner of Flatiron Search Partners. “Nonantum shares our belief that great outcomes start with great teams. This partnership gives
ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group Assists Atlanta Falcons with Head Coach Search
ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group have assisted in the recruitment of Kevin Stefanski as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. His deal with the Falcons is for five years, according to a league source. He succeeds Raheem Morris, who went 20-25 in three seasons at the helm and was not retained following the
IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Singapore
IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has added CGT Partners in Singapore as its newest member firm. “We are delighted to welcome CGT Partners to our global organization,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “Their unique, tailored approach to client engagements, combined with an impressive track record across board advisory, executive search, and leadership assessment,
Six Steps to Sharpen Leadership Focus and Protect Performance in 2026
The start of a new year often tempts senior leaders to move straight from results to resolution, skipping the quieter work of reflection. Yet without pausing to examine how leadership is experienced—not just measured—patterns of strain, growth, and resilience remain invisible, quietly shaping the year ahead. What follows is a structured way to slow the
Klein Hersh Recruits CHRO for Disc Medicine
Horsham, PA-based Klein Hersh, a search firm focused on the life sciences and healthcare industries, has placed Lisa Amaya Price as the new chief human resources officer of Disc Medicine, Inc. in Watertown, MA. “As we move towards commercialization, we have meaningfully increased hiring to support these efforts and Lisa will play a central role in
Furst Group Recruits CEO for Delaware Hospice
Executive recruitment firm Furst Group, which serves the healthcare and insurance industries, has recently assisted in the recruitment of Charles McDonough as the new president and CEO of Delaware Hospice. He succeeds Susan D. Lloyd, who has served with distinction for more than 38 years. Bob Clarke, Rebecca Kapphahn, and Caroline O’Shea led the assignment. “On
DSG Global Appoints Practice Leader for Technology, AI, and Cybersecurity
DSG Global has named Lavonne Moon as managing director and practice leader for technology, AI, and Cybersecurity. In this position, she will expand the firm’s work with organizations seeking digital transformation and cyber leadership. “As organizations confront rapid advances in AI, heightened cyber risk, and ongoing digital disruption, Lavonne’s leadership significantly strengthens our team’s ability to
Korn Ferry Launches New Talent Suite
Korn Ferry has launched Korn Ferry Talent Suite, a technology platform that is powered by 50 years of the firm’s proprietary performance IP and data. The new offering combines a powerful set of talent applications built on a single SaaS technology platform. “Talent Suite is a substantial differentiator and will elevate our firm as we seamlessly
Managing Strategic Risk and Talent Search in 2026
In 2026, return-to-office mandates have evolved from a temporary “reset” into a defining talent-market force—one that’s reshaping executive mobility, employment risk, and the true cost of leadership retention. What looks like a straightforward policy decision on paper is increasingly a high-stakes tradeoff in practice, where culture goals collide with contractual realities and a limited supply
Resource Management Group Recruits CFO for Spire Orthopedic Partners
Resource Management Group (RMG), an executive search firm specializing in CFO placements, has assisted in the recruitment of George Batton as the new CFO of Spire Orthopedic Partners in Stamford, CT. “Big congratulations to George Batton on his new role as chief financial officer of Spire Orthopedic Partners.,” RMG said in a LinkedIn post. “Wishing
Krauthamer & Associates Recruits CEO for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission
Krauthamer & Associates has placed Chris Orlando as the new CEO of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) in Stockton, CA. “We are excited to welcome Chris Orlando as SJRRC’s next CEO,” said SJRRC chair Lisa Craig-Hensley. “Chris brings an exceptional blend of executive leadership, public policy experience, transportation expertise, and strategic vision. His collaborative focused approach
Talent Harbour Group Acquires Goldbeck Recruiting
Talent Harbour Group, a full-service Canadian talent management and executive search firm and part of the JL Davis Enterprises family office, has acquired Goldbeck Recruiting. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The acquisition strengthens Talent Harbour’s position as a leading national executive search and talent management platform delivering executive search, recruiting, leadership development, coaching,
Mercuri Urval Partners with Bell Oaks Executive Search
Stockholm, Sweden-based executive search firm Mercuri Urval (MU) has formed an alliance with Atlanta-based Bell Oaks Executive Search. “Cooperating with a highly reputable, and well established executive search firm such as Bell Oaks, represents a significant milestone for our organization, both internationally and within the U.S.,” said Darcie Murray, head of Americas, MU. “This will not only
Drowning in AI-Generated Resumes? How to Spot Real Talent
The job market has witnessed dramatic changes over the past few years and while many organizations are facing critical talent shortages in niches like machine learning and AI, they are also drowning in a glut of optimized applications, according to a recent report from 180 Engineering. “Candidates are fully aware that hiring teams use applicant tracking systems
BoardWalk Consulting Tapped By Greenpeace USA for Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting has been retained by Greenpeace USA to lead in its search for a chief financial and operations officer (CFOO). Director Michelle Hall, senior associate Terri Kohan, and director of research Patti Kish are leading the assignment. Greenpeace USA requires an executive who is an experienced, adaptive leader with a passion for environmental justice to lead in
ON Partners Recruits CEO for Occupier
ON Partners’ Daniel Bolger, Jake Espenlaub, and Bailey Thomas have helped to recruit David Axler as the new CEO of Occupier, a commercial lease management and accounting software platform based in New York City. The announcement comes alongside strategic leadership moves that position the company for its next phase of growth, with co-founders Matt Giffune and Andrew
Wilton & Bain Names Leader of CFO and Financial Leadership Practice
Wilton & Bain has appointed Gareth Mason as partner, leading the firm’s CFO and financial leadership practice. He will be based in the U.K. and joins Wilton & Bain’s European leadership team. “We are thrilled to welcome Gareth to the firm,” said Tim Baker, managing partner at Wilton & Bain. “Looking for the right person to lead
Alexander Hughes Forms Alliance with CORE3
Alexander Hughes has formed an alliance with CORE3, a strategic management consulting firm that is part of Balubaid Group, one of Saudi Arabia’s most respected family-owned conglomerates. This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership, through a planned Joint venture, focused on developing board advisory, governance effectiveness, executive search, human capital appraisal, and executive interim management services in the Saudi
Spencer Stuart Appoints New CFO
Spencer Stuart has appointed Clare Kennedy as its new chief financial officer. She succeeds Christine Laurens as part of a planned succession and in support of Laurens’ retirement from full-time executive work. Ms. Laurens will remain with the firm for several months to ensure a smooth transition. “We are grateful to Christine for her many significant contributions,
The Private Equity Executive Talent Trends That Will Define 2026
Private equity is still a capital business, but it’s increasingly a leadership business. Deal flow isn’t what it was a few years ago and capital is more selective, according to a new report from Beecher Reagan. “Many funds are sitting on dry powder longer than expected,” the report said. “And when that happens, the spotlight
Greenwood Asher & Associates Assists West Virginia University with Provost Search
Following a national search, Miramar Beach, FL-based executive recruitment firm Greenwood Asher & Associates has assisted in the recruitment of Beverly Wendland as provost and vice president for academic affairs for West Virginia University (WVU). Julie Holley and Julie Schrodt led the assignment for the search firm. “Beverly is a nationally recognized cell biologist who has served as a faculty member,
JDG Associates Tapped by the Defense Health Agency to Fill Senior Position
Rockville, MD-based executive search firm JDG Associates has been selected by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to lead in its search for director, TRICARE Health Plan. With a budget of more than $55 billion, DHA is a Combat Support Agency that oversees the Military Health System (MHS) and delivers care to 9.6 million beneficiaries worldwide. This senior
N2Growth Opens Office in Milan
N2Growth, a Philadelphia-based management consulting and executive search firm, has expanded with the addition of a new office in Milan, Italy. The office will be jointly led by three global partners: Daniele Grandini, senior partner; Roberto Giacometti, managing partner; and Paolo del Conte, senior partner. “N2Growth’s strength has always been our ability to pair local reach
The CFO Talent Shortage Is Reaching a Breaking Point
According to global talent advisor ZRG, the shortage of chief financial officers and their finance teams is reaching epic proportions as we head into another busy year of executive recruiting. With market complexity increasing, CFOs are in high demand, yet the supply of qualified candidates is dwindling. This shortage is being driven by a convergence of
Waterstone Human Capital Acquires Spectrum Recruiting Solutions
Culture-driven executive search and leadership advisory firm Waterstone Human Capital has acquired Spectrum Recruiting Solutions, a U.S.-based professional recruitment firm specializing in manufacturing and engineering industries. The acquisition continues Waterstone’s expansion and reinforces its commitment to delivering culture-focused talent solutions across North America. “We are thrilled to welcome Spectrum Recruiting Solutions and their outstanding team into
DHR Global Seeking Executive Director for the Glacier National Park Conservancy
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has been selected by the Glacier National Park Conservancy to find its next executive director. Kris McFeely, Tom Berray, and Emma Kemper are leading this search and eager to connect with mission-driven professionals with experience in fundraising, financial management, team leadership, and a passion for conservation. This critical leadership position is responsible for the
The Moran Company Tapped by National Assistance League to Find New Executive Director
The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been retained by National Assistance League to lead in its search for a new executive director. Senior search consultant Mike English is leading the assignment. The executive director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of National Assistance League, which includes managing staff,
Slone Partners Appoints Partner, Fractional Talent
Life sciences-focused search firm Slone Partners has named George Quinn as partner, fractional talent. In this position, Mr. Quinn will play a crucial part in advancing Slone Partners’ fractional talent solutions – connecting startup and growth-stage life sciences and healthcare organizations with seasoned leaders and functional experts on a flexible, on-demand basis. “George’s depth of experience, strategic mindset, and
How to Improve Your HR Executive Search Process
Securing the right HR leader requires more than a traditional hiring process—it demands the same rigor, clarity, and strategic discipline used for any major business decision. Organizations that consistently make strong HR executive hires treat the search as an enterprise priority, aligning stakeholders early, sharpening evaluation criteria, and building a candidate experience that attracts top
Unemployment Falls to 4.4 Percent as 50,000 New Job Added
Employment rose by 50,000 in December as the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.4 percent, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Employment continued to trend up in food services and drinking places, healthcare, and social assistance. Retail trade lost jobs. The number of unemployed people, at 7.5 million, changed little in December.
7 Questions to Ask When Choosing an International Recruiter
International recruiting quickly becomes a different game altogether—one where local networks, cultural fluency, and trusted on-the-ground connections often matter more than the tools or tactics employers rely on at home. However, many employers do not like working with recruitment companies, according to a report from NPAworldwide. “In markets that employers know well and have social
